Merlin B. "Tubbs" Brandt

Merlin B. Tubbs Brandt, age 88, of Potosi died Friday, May 8, 2009 at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. He was born on May 24, 1920, the son of Sylvester and Susan (Duve) Brandt in Kieler, WI. Tubbs enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corp in December 1941 serving in Italy, North Africa and the Panama Canal until September 1945 when he was honourably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He was united in marriage to Mabel Babe Patcle on May 21, 1946 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Potosi.

Tubbs farmed in rural Potosi and was self-employed carpenter for many years. He enjoyed fishing and telling stories. Tubbs also loved to go to McCartneys Corner for coffee every morning.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Mabel Babe of 63 years; four children: Beth (Carl) Abing, Cassville, Greg (Mary) Brandt, Cuba City, Cathy (George) Pennekamp, Pat (Tom) Tobin and Jane (Dale) Ley, all of Potosi; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Brandt, Kieler; two sisters-in-law, Pearl Brandt, East Moline, IL and Helen Patcle, Potosi; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Walter and Karl.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 11, 2009 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Richard Leffler officiating. Burial with Military Honors provided by the Berg Averkamp VFW Post #5276 and the American Legion Post #473, both from Potosi was held in St. Thomas Cemetery, Potosi. Family and friends were welcome from 9:00 a.m. until time of services Monday at the church. The Martin Funeral Home in Potosi is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the Potosi Rescue Squad and VFW Post #5276 of Potosi.